Traditional medicinal knowledge about common herbs in Chhattisgarh, India : Interactions with Female herb collectors of Durg region.

I have noted during the interactions with the female herb collectors of Durg region that they are more aware of medicinal uses of common herbs that grows in surroundings as compared to the forest herbs they collect for commercial trade. Durg region is situated in Chhattisgarh Plains where farming is main occupation of the natives. Most of the female herb collectors of this region invest their effort and time during rainy season, in commercial cultivation of rice crop and after harvesting of crop, they visit to the forests for the collection of herbs. According to them, it is rather difficult to enter in forests in rainy season. After the end of rainy season when new flush of annual herbs reaches to maturity stage, it is the best time for collection. There are many female herb collectors that are engaged in herb collection round the year.


The female herb collectors of Durg region informed me that in treatment of troubles related to urinary system, the roots of Sitaphal (Annona squamosa) can be used successfully. The roots are rubbed in stone with the help of water and an aqueous extract is prepared. This extract is taken many times a day as treatment. It is considered as a boon for the patients having the problem of Pathri (Renal Calculi). Its regular use helps in flushing out the Pathri effectively in very less time. The root of Sitaphal is not present in the list of medicinal herbs, collected by the female herb collectors for trade. Sitaphal is well known in the region for its delicious fruits. This herb can be seen as garden herb in home gardens. Like Sitaphal, Munga (Moringa oleifera) is also a popular medicinal tree in Chhattisgarh. The female herb collectors of Durg region are aware of many uses of this herb. In case of earache, as first aid remedy, the dry flowers of Munga, in form of fine powder, are applied into the affected ear. According to them, in most of the cases, the patients get immediate relief. Many herb collectors, mix it with Til (Sesame seed) oil and apply it internally. I have mentioned in previous articles, that the natives of Chhattisgarh prepare different herbal dishes using Munga flowers. Munga Ke Bhajia is a popular breakfast. In treatment of Carbuncle, the female herb collectors of Durg region use the root bark of Munga. The herb part is collected and after drying in shade, converted into powder. In combination with cow urine, the aqueous paste is prepared. This paste is applied externally on Carbuncle as treatment. They give preference to the use of roots in treatment as compared to the bark. To dress the wound, they also use a decoction of Doomar (Ficus glomerata) bark. The decoction is prepared by boiling its bark in water. Every time fresh decoction is prepared and used. The names of different parts of Doomar is present in the list of medicinal herbs, the female herb collectors collect. Many villages of Durg region have been named on this herb due to high population of this herb. The traditional healers of Durg region are also aware of use of Doomar bark to dress the wound. They are in favour of using the aqueous extract (in cold water) of Doomar as compared to its use as decoction. I personally feel that through systematic studies we can evaluate the efficacy of both extracts. Many female herb collectors of Durg region informed me about the use of Khamhar leaves in treatment of internal swellings. According to them, the leaves are boiled in cow milk and after eliminating the leaves, the solution is taken internally. It is considered as one of the promising treatments.
The female herb collectors informed about many traditional uses of common herbs but I have already reported these uses in my previous articles. I am not repeating it here.

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